Electrical peeler device



ELECTRICAL FEELER DEVICE Filed April 25, 1923 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Aug. 11, 1925.

1,549,008 F. E. KIP

ELECTRICAL FEELER DEVICE Filed April 25, 1923 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 In i eye 17 02".-

Aug. 11 1925. 1,549,008

F. E. KIP

ELECTRI CAL FEELER DEVI CE Filed April 25, 1925 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 m \N T. a? ."T".fif.j("?. 51 m E 7% n m x I h Aug. 11, 1925. 1,549,008

F. E. KIP

ELECTRI CAL FEELER DEVI CE Filed April 25, 1925 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Mia? Aug. 11, 1925. 1,549,008

F. E. KIP

ELECTRI CAL FEELER DEVI CE Filed April 25, 1923 6 Shets-Sheet 5 l l l l l Aug. 11, 1925. 1,549,008

F. E. {(IP ELECTRICAL FEELER DEVICE Filed April 25, 1923 e Sheets-Sheet a Patented Aug. 11, 1925.

UNl'iTEl) STA'ii'Efii PATENT OFFICE.

FEEDER-IO E. KIP, OF MONTCLAIR. NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOE TO THE SALTS TEXTILE MANUFACTURING COMPANY. OF BBIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT, A CORPORATION OF CONNECTICUT.

ELECTRICAL FEELE-R DEVICE.

Application filed April 25, 1923.

T 0 all whom it may concern Be it known that I, FREDERIC E. Kir, a citizen of the United States residing at Montclair, in the county of Essex, State of New Jersey have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electrical Feeler Devices, of which the following is a specifi cation.

This invention relates to electrical detector-devices or feeler-motions for controlling the operation of a loom in accordance with the condition of the weft or filling in the shuttle.

The improved feeler-device is adapted for use with both singleand double-shuttle looms for arresting the operation of the loom when the filling in the shuttle is substantially exhausted; and also for automatic looms, to initiate the operation of the weftreplenishing mechanism which presents a fresh supply of filling to the weaving when required.

One object of the invention is to provide an electrical feeler-devicc in which a normally-open circuit. for the loom-controlling mechanism is closed by the contact of the feeler terminals with a metal part within the shuttle.

A particular object of the invention is to provide a device in which the points of contact of the feeler on the bobbin are confined within a restricted area so that the gap between the electrical terminals or contacts is reduced to an absolute minimum whereby to insure a more positive and effective contact of the terminals with the conductor-element in the shuttle.

Another object of the improvement is to provide a feeler-device in which the feeler, while having only a light delicate contact with the yarn on the bobbin, will still act with precision and promptness to detect the exl'iaustion of the filling and to close the electrical circuit for the controlling-medianism without permitting mispicks or other. irregularities in the operation of the loom.

rinother object of the improvement is to provide a feeler-device which is simple in structure and economical to manufacture whileoccupying a minimum of space on the loom.

Another object of the invention is to pro- Serial No. 634,515.

vide a feeler-device which is adapted for practically all types of looms, and which may be applied thereto as a fitment or at tachment without alteration in the structure or arrangement of the loom-mechanism.

Further objects of the improvement are set forth in the following specification which describes several preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a usual type of single-shuttle loom showing the general arrangement of my improved feeler-device as applied to use thereon;

Fig. 2, a plan view of the feeler showing its relation to the shuttle and the bobbin carried thereby;

3, a side elevation of the feeler-device illustrating two feelers as adapted for use with a double-shuttle 100m, the shuttles and fcelcr-bearings being shown in cross section taken in a vertical plane on the line 33 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4, a sectional view of one type of metal filling-carrier or bobbin for use with the device;

Fig. 5, a similar view of a filling-carrier having a metal sleeve on its butt;

Fig. 6, a plan View showing a preferred construction of the feeler proper which is illustrated in section on its longitudinal axis;

Fig. 7, a view of another type of feelerniouuting showing it in part section on the line 7--? of Fig. 8;

Fig. 8, a plan view of the same showing the feeler in section on its longitudinal axis;

Fig. 9. a side view of the mounting for another type of feeler, showing it in section on the line Q- S) of Fig. 10;

Fig. 10, a plan view of the same showing the feeler in section on its longitudinal axis;

Fig. 11. a plan view of still another construction of feeler and mounting;

Fig. 12, a similar view showing a slight variation in the arrangement of the feelercontacts;

Fig. 13, a plan view showing the feelerelements insulated from each other by means of a hardened dielectric coating on one of them;

Fig. 14. a plan view of a portion of an automatic loom showing my improved feelerdevice as applied to use with the filling replenishing mechanism thereof;

Fig. 15, an end view of the bobbin-magazine and transferrer-mechanism of the automatic loom; and

Fig. 16, a detailed view of the electrically operated trip-device controlled from the feeler to initiate the operation of the filling-replenishing mechanism of the loom.

Referring first to Fig. 1 of the drawings, the single-shuttle plain loom therein shown is of usual structure and only the essential elements of its mechanism will be described. The frame of the loom is designated 1 L indicates the lay, C the crank-shaft which reciprocates the lay, and S the shuttle which carries the filling or weft.

The power-operated driving-mechanism of the loom, not illustrated, is controlled. by means of the usual shipper-lever 1'), normally held in operative position by a latch or detent, not shown, andadapted to be released therefrom, to arrest the operation of the loom, by means of a pivoted knock-off lever K;

Below the crank-shaft C of the loom is a cam-shaft E carrying a cam G for oscillating the rockable weft-hammer H. The wefthammer 1-1 is pivoted on a horizontal shaft I and provided with an extension or arm H reaching 'upwardlyabove the front of the frame F. At the inner end of the arm H is a catch or hook h adapted to engage with the outer hooked end of a rockable latch 2. The latch 2 is pivoted on a rod or shaft 3 mounted in bearings 4. rising from the top of the knockbff lever K. Depending from the inner end of the latch 52 is a twopart adjustable link 5 which is connected to a pivoted lever (l constituting the rockable arn'lature of an electrical ma 'net '2'. The magnet 7 is housed in a box 8 having a slot in its forward side in which the arn'iature (5 is pivoted at 9. The magnet is connected in circuit with a suitable source of current and with the electrical feeler or detector device 10, forming the subject matter of the present invention, by a system of wiring to be later described. As shown in Fig. 1, the feeler 10 is mounted at. the front of the loom frame F above the knock-oil" lever K in position to adapt its end, to enter the side of the shuttle S to feel or detect the condition of the filling on the bobbin carried thereby.

Reference will now be had to Figs. 2 and. 6 which show one preferred form of my improved feeler and illustrate the structure of its parts and mounting in detail. In genera], the feeler 10 is of the two-pole type comprising slidable terminals adapted to contact at two points on a metal part witl1- in the shuttle to close the circuit to the controlling-magnet 7 Conveniently, I may employ a metal filling-carrier 11, such as illustrated .in F i of the drawings, for the circuit-closing element; while in other cases, the usual wooden bobbin or filling-carrier 12 may be fitted with a metal part or sleeve 1% on its butt, as illustrated in Fig. 5; or any other suitable electrical conductor may be arranged within the shuttle to be exposed upon the substantial exhaustion of the filling, whereby the feeler-terminals will contact therewith to close the electrical circuit. One particular object of the present improvement is to provide a two-pole feeler in which the terminals will, have a minimum space or gap between their contact points and with this end in. view 1 preferably construct the feeler of telescopic form as illustrated most clearly in Fig. 6.

As here shown the feeler 10 comprises a cylindrical-metal shell or tube 15 which is slidable in suitable bearings 16 at the ends of av rectangular frame 17. The frame 17 may be constructed of fiber or other suitable insulating-material and is provided with a threaded bolt 18 projecting from its side which is adapted to be inserted through a slot 19 in a suitable arm or bracket 20 attached to the loom frame F, see Fi g. 2. Nuts 21 on the bolt 18 are tightened against washers 22 on the opposite sides of the arm 20 to secure the frame in place, and by loosening the nuts the frame may be adjusted at the proper height to locate the feeler 10 in position for its end to enter through an opening 8 in the side of the shuttle S to impinge upon the bobbin B carried therein. For doubleshuttle looms two feelers are employed, as shown in Fig. 3, with one placed above the other on the arm or bracket 20, whereby they are adapted to enter both shuttles S to effect the control of the loom in accordance with the condition of the filling in either shuttle.

As before stated. the outer feeler-element or tubular terminal 15 is slidablc in its bearings in the frame 1?, and arranged to telescope 'ithin the tube is a second slidable contactelement in the form of a rod or plunger 25, see Fig. 6. The plunger 25 slides in the axial bore of a sleeve 26 which is const-ructed of fiber or other suitable dielectric material and fitted within the tube 15 to provide an insulating medium between the two contact-elements or terminals of the electrical circuit to be later described. At the right-hand end of the feeler 10 the bore of the sleeve 26 is enlarged at 2? to adapt it to receive a coiled wire spring 28 which bears against an enlarged head 30 on the end of the plunger 25. A screw 31 threaded into the end of the enlarged bore 27 of the sleeve 26 acts as astop for the spring 28, the screw being adjustable in the bore to vary the tension of the spring and carrying a check-nut 32 for locking the adjustment.

Surrounding the outer tube or shell 15 is a second helical spring bearing at one end against a collar 34 fastened to the tube by a set-screw 35, see Fig. 2, and at its opposite end against the cross-bar 36 of the frame 17. The spring 33 maintains the tube 15 in the position shown in Figs. 2 and 6 with the collar 34 bearing against the cross-bar 37 of the frame 17, and by altering the position of the collar on the tube the complete feeler 10 n y be adjusted longitudinally in the frame to regulate its position with res Ject to the bobbin B on which its end impinges, see Fig. It will be noted that the inner contact-eiement. or plunger 25 is so proportioned that when its head seats against the end of the enlarged bore 27 in the sleeve 26 its opposite rounded end will project slightly beyond the end of the outer tube or contact-element 15. This arrangement of the parts provides that the inner plunger or contact-terminal 2-5 will impinge first. on the side of the bobbin B in the shuttle S at the beat up of the lay L. see Fig. 1, and, as the spring 28 acting against said plunger is considerably lighter and weaker than the spring 33 for the tube 15, the plunger will be telescoped with respect to the tube. After the end of the plunger 25 has been telescoped within the tube 15, however, the end of the tube itself will be impinged upon the bobbin and as the lay continues its forward beat both ntact-eleinents 15 and 25 are slid back 1 i a unit against the force of the spring 32. This initial retraction of the plunger 25 and eventual sliding movement of the contact-elements as a whole takes place at every second beat up of the lay when the shuttle is boxed on the feeler side of the loom. Normally, the contactelements or terminals of the feeler 10 im pinge upon the yarn on the filling-carrier or bobbin B in the shuttle S, but when the filling is substantially exhausted the metal part of the carrier is exposed and the terminals of the feeler will contact therewith to close the electrical circuit which controls the operation of the loom in the manner and for the purpose as hereinafter fully explained.

Figs. '7 and 8 illustrate another embodiment of the improved feeler in which the parts are arranged for more compact group- :ing. In this modified form of the device the rectangular supportingframe or bracket :40 is constructed of metal with a fiber strip or backing t1 attached to its under side by means of screws 42. The outer tube or contactelement slides in bores at the ends of the frame 40 and is reduced in diameter at one end to receive a nut i6 threaded thereon. The nut it") contacts with one of the end cross-bars of the frame 40 and is adapted for adjustment: to regulate the longitudinal position of the feeler with respect to the bobbin in the shuttle to provide for the proper contact of the feeler therewith.

\Vithin the tube l5 is an insulating sleeve or bushing-11 T havingg' an enlarged rim or flange 4-8 at its end which seats against the end of the tube. The plunger-rod which slides in the sleeve ell is bent at right-angles at 51, the bent portion being adapted to abut the end of the sleeve to locate the plunger with its end projecting beyond the end of the outer tube or terminal in extension 52- of the rod 50 is bent back into parallel relation with the main portion of the plunger to adaptit to slide through an insulating thimble inserted in a bore in the cross-bar of the frame a0. At the end of the extension is a collar between which and the thimble 53 is a re atively light coiled spring 56. A second heavier spring 57 surrounds the outer tube to between its adjusting-nut 4:6 and the cross-bar 5% of the frame 4:0 and acts to resist the sliding movement of the feeler as a whole. The extension of the rod 50 slides through a metal washer 59 at the end of the insulating thimble 53, the washer being conneeted by a wire (50 to a binding-post G1 on the insulating strip 41. The binding-post (31 connected by wiring, not shown to the electrical circuitfor the controlling-magnet 7. previously referred to, and the outer contact-member or tube at) is grounded in the frame of the loom through the metal frame 40 mounted thereon in the manner as previously described. In this manner both terminals of the feeler are connected with the magnet by a normally open circuit which is closed by the concurrent contact of the terminals with the conductor in the shuttle. This form of device operates in substantiallv the same manner as that previously described the plunger-rod 50 being adapted to yield against the pressure of its light spring" 56 to telescope it within the tube 45, and the whole feeler yielding; as a unit against the tension of the heavier spring 57.

Another modified form of the feeler is il lustratcd in Figs. 9 and 10 in which the supporting frame (52 is of metal constructed with a central cross-bar G3. The tubular contact-element slides in bearings in the cross-bars 63 and 6a: of the frame 62 and carries an adjusting nut 66 for regulating its normal position. Between the nut 66 and the cross-bar 63 of the frame 62 is the main compression-spring 6. and within the tube is an insulating-ln shing 68 formed with an end flange 69. The inner contacteiement or plunger-rod 70 slides in the sleeve (35% and also in the end cross-bar 6 of the frame 62, a fiber thimble 71 serving to insulate it from the frame. A relatively light spring 72 surrounds the plunger 70 between a collar 73 abutting the end of the fiber sleeve 68 and a metal washer 74 at the end of the thimble 71. \Vith this arrangement of the parts the outer tube or contact-element 65 is electrically connected with the controlling-magnet through the metal frame 02 grounded in the frame of the loom; wnile the plunger is connected to the other side of the circuit by a wire extending from the washer 741 to a binding-post 76 on the fiber plate 77 attached to the frame 62. It will be obvious without further explanation that the two contact-elements 65 and 70 in this form of device are adapted to operate in the same manner as those of the arrangements first described.

Figs. 11 and 12show a further simplified and compacted arrangement of the feelerdevice which may be considered as a preferred form of the invention. In these two views the supporting frame 80 is constructed of fiber or other insulating-material with a flat base 81 and two upstanding end-pieces 83 and 84:. The outer tubular contact-element 85 slides in a bore in the end-piece 8?) and is provided with an end-flange 86 for locating it in posit-ion. The flange 86 abuts a plate 87 attached to the end-piece 83 by a screw 88 which is provided with nuts 89 whereby to adapt it to serve as a binding post. The tube 85 slides through a hole in the plate 87 and is thus electrically connected to the plate at all times. the plate. in turn, being grounded in the loom frame by means of a wire 93 leading from the binding-post 8S. Fitted to the interior of the tube 85 is an insulating-sleeve 9 1: within which the plunger-rod slides. The right-hand end or the plunger 90 slidesin a bore in the endpiece 84 of the frame 80 and also through a hole in a metal plate 96 attached to the end-piece by a binding-screw 97. The binding-post 97 is connected in the magnet circuit by a wire98. On the rod 90 is a split collar 99 clamped thereto by a screw 100. A

coiled spring 101. encircling the rod 90 between the collar 99 and plate 96, acts to resistthe sliding movement of the plunger; while a second shorter spring 102 is arranged between the collar 99 and a fiber washer 1071'. abutting the flanged end of the tube 85. The fiber washer 10-61 separates the spring 102 from the tube 85 so that the two contactelements 85 and 90 are completely insulated from each other while being individually connected in circuit with the electrical control-mechanisln through their respective binding-posts previously referred to. \Vith this last-described arrangement as illustrated in Fig. 11 the springs 101 and 102 main tain the two terminals or contact-elen'ients in the relation illustrated in Fig. 11 with the plunger 90 projecting beyond the end of the tube 85. The impingement of the plunger on the bobbin in the shuttle causes it to be telescoped within the tube 85 against the pressure of the spring 101, and finally the tube itself will be slid back or retracted against the force of this spring. With this eagues rrangement the second spring 102 acts merely as a locating medium for the tube 85 and only the single spring 101 resists the sl ding action of the feeler. It will be observed therefore that the resistance to the action of the feeler may be reduced to a minimum so that its contact with the bobbin is very light and delicate. thus removing any danger of injury to the yarn.

As before mentioned, Fig. 12 shows substantially the same structure of the feelerdevice as in Fig. 11, but it is to be noted that the adjustment of the parts of the device is varied slightly. That is to say, in

12 the collar on the plunger 90 is adjusted in such position longitudinally thereof that norn'ially the outer contact-element or tube 85 projects beyond the telescoped plunger 90. This variation in the arrangement provides that the tube 85 will impinge first upon the bobbin. and sliding against the force of its spring 101 will eventually provide for the impingement of the plunger 90, whereupon both elements will yield together as a unit. Either of the last described arrangements may be employed as preferred and the action of the feeler is essentially the same as before explained.

In Fig. 13 .a slight modification in the 1 structure of the cooperating contact-elements is illustrated. In this embodiment of the invention the inner terminal or plunger 105 is insulated from the tube 106 by a coating of hardened dielectric material on its sur face. That is to say, the plunger may be covered witha coating 107 of vulcanized rubber, bakelite or baked enamel which serves as the insulating medium between the parts without requiring an inner sleevefor the tubular contact-element. With this arrange ment the contact-end of the plunger 90 is of course left bare, and preferably it is reduced in diameter to insure against electrical contact with the tube 106 when the parts are in telescoped relation. By employing this method of construction the tubular terminal may be made much smaller in diameter and the proportions of all of the other parts of the device reduced to an absolute minimum.

It has been stated that the present improved feeler-device is adapted for use in connection with any usual form of electrically-operated stopmotion for the loom and the manner of connecting it in circuit therewith is 1 grammatically in. Fig. 1 of the drawings. In this view the tubular terminal 15 of the feeler is connected to a wire 110 grounded at 111 in the loom frame F; while the inner plunger or terminal 25 has a wire 115 lead- 1 ing to a battery 116 or other source of current which, in turn, is connected by a wire 117 to the magnet 7. The opposite lead wire 118 from the magnet T is grounded illustrated more or less dia in the loom frame F at 119 and in this way both sides of the circuit are connected to the terminals of the fceler. As the lay it is oscillated during the operation o wearing the fabric the shuttle S hosted on the feeler side of the loom at each alternate pick thereof. 'i heie't'orc. at every alternate beat up of the lay the feclcr ll) will be caused to enter the opening; s in the side of the shuttle, Sce Fig. to impinge upon the side of the bobbin i). Under this action the feeler will be forced back by first telescoping its plunger 25 and then sliding its tube 15 and as long as a covering of yarn remains on the butt of the bobbin the terminals of the feeler will he prevented from contacting with the metal part of the filling carrier so that no electrical connection is made between the poles of the feeler. iVhen, however, the yarn is finally unwound from the butt of the bobbin the irctal part of the filling-carrier is evposed and the ends of the plunger 25 and tube 15 will both contact with the conductor under the telescopic action of the feelcr so that the circuit is closed across the terminals. it will he understood. of coursry that the bobbin ii is wound with a short length of filling, called the bunch winding. indicated at 7 in Figs. 2 and 4, before the service winding is started, so that the bunch will still remain to he unwound after the yarn on the butt of the filling-carrier has been unreelcd. This provides that a sutlicient length of yarn will remain on the bobbin to make a complete pick in the fabric when the shuttle is thrown across the loom after the service winding is exhausted and before the feeler has had an opportunity to function.

WVhen the electrical circuit is closed across the terminals of the feeler. in the manner as above explained, the magnet 7 will he euergized by the current from the generator or battery 115 and will therefore attract its armature 6 to rock it on its pivot 9. The rocking movement of the ari'nature 6 acts through the rod 5 to tilt the latch-lever 2 to depress its catch into range of the hook it on the arm H of the weft-hammer H. It has been explained that the weft-hammer H is oscillated from the cam G and it is to be noted that the cam-shaft E is driven from the crank-shaft- C by gears c and c which have a ratio of 1 to 2. This provides that the crank-shaft makes two revolutions to one for the camshaft so that the wefthammer is oscillated only at every alternate beat up of the lay. The operation of the cam G is timed to rock the weft-hammer H to draw its hook 7:. forward during the dwell of the lay at the end of its heat up so that as the terminals of the feeler close the circuit and energize the magnet to trip the latch 2 the hook it will be carried forward to engage with the latch. Immediately this engagement takes place the latch 2 is drawn forward by the hook it to swing the knockoti' lever K on its pivot to force it against the shipperlever 1), whereby to release the latter from its detent. The release of the shipper-lever D allows it to spring back to shift the driving-belt, release the clutch, or shut off the power from the loom in any suitable manner as well known to those v rsed in the art. In this way the stopping of the loom is effected with the required promptness and always at a definite point in the weaving operation when the shuttle is boxed on the side where the weaver stands.

The improved feeler may be applied to use in connection with automatic looms to initi ate the operation of the filling-replenishing mechanism by connecting it in circuit with an GlCCti'lCfll means for controlling said mechanism. Figs. 14, 15 and 16 illustrate a well-known arrangement of filling-changing: mechanism such as used on Draper looms. but it will be obvious that the present invention is adaptable for use with other types of such devices employed for the same purpose. Fin. l lis a plan view of that portion of the automatic loom on which the feeler-device ma be conveniently mounted. l1 designating the lay, S the shuttle and N the breast-beam at the front of the loom frame F. The support ng frame 17 for thefeeler 10 is mounted on its bracl-ret 2O fastened to the top of the breast-bezun N and is adjustable in position. as previously explained, to adapt the end of the feeder to enter the opening a in the shuttle ii to feel the condition of the filling on the bobbin B. The tubular terminal 15 of the leeler is grounded in. the loom frame F at 125 while the plunger terminal 25 is connected by a wire 126 to a battery 127. from which a conductor 19.3 leads to a pair of magnets 130. The magnets. 130 are supported on an elbow-shaped arm 131 fastened to the top of the breast-beam N. and the opposite side of their circuit comprises a wire 32 which is grounded in the loom frame at 133.

()n the top of the breast-beam N is a slide 134 carrying a pivoted armaturedever 135 having its shorter weighted arm 136 normally held by gravity in depressed relation to the magnets 130. The lever 135 is pivoted across the forked end of the slide 134 and its shorter arm 136 is weighted to normally hold its longer arm in raised position above the end 137 of the vibrating wefthammer 138. Referring to Fig. 14:. the longer arm of the lever 135 is formed with a slot 139 with which the end 137 of the wefthammer 138 engages when the shorter arm is 125 lifted by the attraction of the magnets 130. hen the armature-lever 135 is thus engraced with the weft-hammer 138 the forward movement of the latter will slide the slide 134; forward to engage it with an arm 140 on a rock-shaft 141 journaled in hearing 142 at the front of the breast-beam N. The rock-shaft- 141 carries an elbow-shaped lever 143 at its opposite end which operates the trip-device for thefilling-replenishing mechanism on the magazine side of the loom, see Figsq15 and 16.

Referring to Fig. 15, 150 designates the usual rotatable hopper or magazine which carries the rese ve supply of filling-bobbins B on its rim. The transferrer 151 which transfers the bobbins from the hopper to the shuttle is pivoted at 152 and provided with an operating-arm 153 carrying the dog 154 at its lower end. The dog 154 is connected to an elbow-shaped arm 155 by means of a pin 156 engaging an angular slot 157 at the end thereof. The arm 155 is pivoted at 158 and is operated from member 159 suspended from the lever 143 on the rock-shaft 141, whereby to raise the dog 154 into position to be engagedby a hunter 160 on the lay L. The member 159 is provided with a leg 161 having a beveled end 162 which normally engages with a pin 163 on the elbow of the arm 155. A spring 165 hooked to the end of another leg 166 on the member 159 is anchored to a fixed part of the loom at 164 and acts to rock the member 1.59 to swing the arm 155 in the manner and for the purpose as later explained. These last mentioned elements of the filling-changing mechanism are of usual construction and a1- rangement and therefore require no further detailed description.

The method of ope 'ation of the feelerdevice in connection with the filling-chang ing mechanism is as follows: Vl hen the filling on the bobbin in the running shuttle is substantially exhausted and the conductor on the butt of the filling-carrier is exposed, so that the ends of the plunger 25 and tube 15 impinge thereagainst to close the circuit across the feeler terminals, the magnets 130 will be energized by the current from the battery 127. The magnets will therefore lift the shorter arm 136 of the armature-lever 135 to rock its longer slotted arm into position to be engaged by the end 1137 of the weft-hammer 138. as illustrated by dotted lines in F ig. 16. This action causes. the slide 134 to be locked to the weft-hammer 138 so that as the latter moves forward it will push the slide forward to rock the arm 140 in the direction indicated by the arrow as in Fig. 16. This movement of the arm 140 turns the rocloshaiit 141 to raise the lever 143, see Fig. 15, whereby the beveled end 162 of the leg 161 on the member 159 is released from the pin 163 on the arm 155; whereupon the position to be engaged by the hunter 160 on the lay L as the latter moves forward at the next beat up; it being understood that the last-described motions of the trip-device take place as the lay is moving back after the feeler 10 has closed the electrical circuit to the controlling magnets 130. the shuttle S makes another pick across the loom and is boxed on the magazine side thereof the lay moves forward again and its hunter 160 strikes the. notched end of the dog 154 to rock the arn'i 153 to depress the transferrer 151. Through this action the transferrer 151 is caused to transfer a fresh bobbin from the magazine 150 to the shuttle .S and the spent bobbin is ejected therefrom in the usual manner well known to those versed in the art. In this manner the filling-feeler or detector acts promptly and eiiiciently to initiate the operation of the filling-changing mechanism so that a fresh supply of filling will invariably be inserted in the shuttle before the yarn is entirely exhausted from the. running bobbin, the bunch winding on the filling-carrier providing sufficient yarn for the last pick before the bobbin is changed.

By arranging the contact-elements of the teeler with one projecting in advance of the other so that it impinges first upon the bobbin and is retracted with respect to the other element until both elements are moved as a unit, a surer and more positive electrical contact of the terminals on the conductor is insured. Moreover, this peculiar arrangement of the contact-elements provides that they will both engage positively with the irregular, tapered butt of the bobbin, or with any other conductor thereon, notwithstanding that itssurface may be grooved, corrugated. or otherwise roughened.

I am aware that it is old in the art to provide a two-pole electrical feeler having y eldable contact-elements adapted to im pings upon the bobbin in the shuttle and to contact with a conductor exposed by the substantial exhaustion of the filling, whereby to close the circuit which controls the operation of the loom. I believe. however, that I am the first to devise a feeler of this type in which both the contact-elements are combined in a unitary structure with their contact points disposed in overlapping relation to confine them to a restricted area of contact, so that the gap between the terminals is reduced to a minimum to insure a more positive and etlicient contact of the elements with the conductor. 1 therefore claim this con'ibination broadly without limitation as to the details of construction of the parts of the device.

I claim:

1. An electrical feeler comprising a pair of yieldable contact-elements having their contact-points arranged. in axial alinement Now, after to confine them to a restricted area of contact on the bobbin, means to insulate said contact-elements from each other, and means to adapt the contact-elements to yield sine"- ly or as a unit.

2. An electrical feeler comprising a pair of yieldable contact-elements. one of said elements having its contaie end enclosiun the contact-end of the other element. and means to adapt said elements to yiehh one with respect to the other and both together as a unit, when impinged upon the bobbin in the shuttle.

3. An electrical feeler comprising a pair of yieldable contact-cleuients hav i their contact-points arranged in axial almeinent, with the contact-end of one element projecting in advance of that of the other lement. an insulating; medium separating said elements, and means to adapt said elements to yield either singly or as a unit when impinged upon the bobbin in the shuttle.

4. An electrical feeler comprising a pair of interrelated contact-elements arranged in axial alinement to slide independently oi each other longitudinally of their common axis or together as a unit, an insulating medium separating said elements and resilient means for maintaining said elements in position to enter the loom shuttle with one element in advance of the other element whereby it impinges first on the bobbin and is re tracted with respect to the other element.

5. An electrical teeler-device for looms consisting in a two-pole yielding teeler adapted to enter the shuttle to feel the con-- dition of the filling carried thereby. said teeler comprising in a unitary structure a plurality of contact-elements arranged in axial alinement and adapted for relative sliding movement longitudinally of their common axis and also for yieldingaction as a whole. said contact-elements acting: to close an electrical circuit when concurrently impinged upon a conductor-element in the shuttle.

6. In a feeler-device, the combination with the electrical controlling-medianism ot a loom. of a unitary teeler comprising; a pair of intercontained contact-elements arranged in axial alinement and adapted tor individual sliding movement longitudinally of their common axis and also for yielding movement as a whole. said contactelenients connected in circuit with the electrical loomcontrolling mechanism to close said circuit when both elements contact concurrently with a conductor exposed by the substantial exhaustion of the filling in the bobbin 7. In a device of the type specified a twopole electrical teeler adapted to enter the loom shuttle to feel the condition ot the till ing therein. said 'feeler comprising in a unitary structure a pluralit of telescopic contact-elements disposed with one element projecting beyond the other element and adapted to be displaced relatively thereto and both elements arranged for displacement as a whole. said contact-elements adapted to close an electrical circuit when concurrent ly impinged upon a conductor exposed by the substantial exhaustion of the filling in the shuttle.

is. In a devi= e of the type specified, a two pole electrical i'eeler comprising? in combina ion. a pair oi slidable contact-elements arranged to telescope one with respect to the other, and resilient means for maintainin one of said elements longitudinally in advance ot' the other element while permittinsr both elements to yield when concurrently impinged upon the bobbin in the shuttle. whereby said elements act to close an e ectrical circuit by contact with a conductor exposed by the suhstantial exhaustion of the filling" in the shuttle.

9. A two-pole electrical teeler for looms comprising a pair of contact-elements arranged in telescopic relation but insulated from each other, resilient means tor maintainingone of said elements axially in ad Vance ot' the other element while allowing said elements to be telescoped and to thereafter yield as a unit. whereby both elements may be impinged upon the bobbin in the loom shuttle to make contact with an electrical conductor at closely adjacent points thereon to close an electrical circuit tor which said contact-elements form the terminals.

10. In combination with the controlling mechanism of a loom and an electrical circuit for operating the same, a two-pole unitary teeler in said circuit adapted to enter the loom-shuttle to feel the condition of the filling on the bobbin, said teeler comprising coaxial contact-elements arranged to slide individually and as a unit longitudinally of their common axis. one element projecting beyond the other element to adapt it to impinge first upon the bobbin. and both elements adapted to contact concurrently with a conductor exposed by the substantial exhaustion of the filling on the bobbin to close the electrical circuit.

11. In combination with the contr0llingmechanism of a loom and an electrical circuit for operating the same, a two-pole unitary teeler adapted to enter the shuttle to feel the condition of the filling on the bobbin. said feeler comprising a tubular contact-element, a second contact-element telescopically mounted within the first element, resilient means for maintaining one of said contact-elements with its end projecting beyond the end of the other element, and resilient means for maintaining the feeler in position to enter the shuttle while allowing it to yield as a whole.

12. A two-pole electrical-feeler for looms comprising a contact-element adapted to enter the shuttle to impinge upon the hobbin and to yield longitudinally under the beat up of the lay, a second contact-element in telescopic arrangement with the first element, and resilient means for maintaining the first element with its end projecting be yond that oi the second element whereby one eiement in'ipinges upon the bobbin in advance of the other element and both elements are adapted to contact with a conductor in the shuttle with a minimum gap between their points of contact.

13. A two-pole electrical teeler compris ing a tubular contact-element adapted to enter the shuttle to impinge upon the bobbin and to slide longitudinally under the heat up of the lay, a second contact-element in telescopic arrangement with the first element and slidable with respect thereto, resilient means tor maintaining the contactelements in position to enter the shuttie with one member in advance of the other to impinge first upon the bobbin and to he slid. thereby whereby both elements will eventually contact with a conductor on the bobbin exposed by the substantial exhaustion oi? the filling thereon.

14. In an electricaiteeler-device for looms, the combination with a supporh of a tubular contact eleinent slidable in bearings thereon, a second contacteleni1ent arranged in telescopicarrangement with the tubular element, a spring for maintaining mes es one element with its contact-end in advance of the other element, and a second spring a tubular contact-element slidable therein second plunger-element slidable in the the contact-elements in'position to enter the slit "itie while permitting them to be retracted upon impingement upon the bobbin, and a second spring acting between the tubular element and the plunger to maintain the contact-end of one of said elements projected in advance of the end of the other element.

16. Loonrcontrolling mechanism comprising an electro-magnet and a circuit therefor adapted to be closed through a conductor in the shuttle exposed upon substantial exhaustion of the filling, and contact-elements constituting the terminals of the cir: cuit and engageable with the conductor in the shuttle, said contact-elements so combined as to permit movementof one upon the other to enable concurrent contact of the C(Jli'tMJt-GiGITlGIltS with the conductor at a predetermined time.

in testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

FREDEBIC E. KIP.

tubular element sorinmtor maintaininm L 225 If" 

